Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Kailua, HI: $84.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Kailua, HI runs $84.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $175,902 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Kailua's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $105,542 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kailua, HI, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $84.57, which significantly exceeds the national median of $73.02. This rate translates to substantial earnings for professionals in part-time or per-diem roles, typically working in environments such as en route center radar consoles and airport control towers. For those starting in the field, hourly wages can begin as low as $49.05, while the most experienced can earn up to $119.76, showcasing a wide range of opportunities. It's important to note that these figures are informed by annual salary estimates, reflecting the compensation structure in this specialized profession. With only six air traffic controllers employed in Kailua, the higher local hourly pay offers a competitive edge that can make it an appealing job market for both new and experienced controllers.
About the Kailua Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49.05 | $392.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.89 | $487.08 |
| Median (P50) | $84.57 | $676.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107.94 | $863.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $119.76 | $958.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kailua
Based on $84.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $84.57/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kailua, HI can expect to earn approximately $175,903 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $101,483. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kailua.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kailua
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,382.76 | $14,659 | $175,903 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,029.66 | $8,795 | $105,542 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,353.10 | $5,863 | $70,361 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Kailua) | $84.57 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Kailua, HI earn a median of $175,902 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.81% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.90% below the Hawaii state average of $177,500.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $84.57/hr = $105,542/year (purchasing power: $88,468).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $175,903/year (purchasing power: $147,446).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$68.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$82.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$84.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Kailua (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $72.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $72.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $73.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $76.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $80.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $82.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Kailua grew 20.4% from $68.48/hr (2019) to $82.45/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $86.74/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kailua metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Kailua
Examining the potential for part-time or per-diem air traffic controllers in Kailua reveals fascinating financial realities. For those working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, the annual income may reach approximately $105,749, which is still quite appealing compared to full-time salaries and allows for greater work-life balance. Overtime presents another lucrative avenue; many controllers at high-demand facilities work beyond standard hours, often equating to 50-60 hours weekly. This can inflate their overall earnings, with some earning an extra $50,000 to $100,000 annually through additional shifts. Hourly compensation may also vary according to the employer type. Controllers in FAA en route centers tend to earn higher hourly rates compared to those in smaller facilities or contract towers. This differentiation leads some to prioritize health insurance benefits, accepting a lower hourly pay in exchange for these advantages. Furthermore, negotiating for pay as a per diem air traffic controller in Kailua can involve discussions about compensating for training or relocation, allowing for strategic financial decisions within the workplace dynamics.
More salary data for Kailua, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, ATO
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience as an air traffic controller. He specializes in terminal area control at a major airport.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Kailua. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kailua is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov